Digital technology crucial in improving school performance says Leighton Andrews

The plan follows the publication of Find it, Make it, Use it, Share it – Learning in Digital Wales, a report from the Digital Classroom Teaching Task and Finish Group, which considered what digital materials work in the classroom and how the Welsh Government can work towards all schools in Wales being able to deliver digitally.

The new plan includes:

• The creation of a new National Digital Learning Council to provide expert guidance on the use of digital technology in teaching and learning in Wales.  
• The launch of a new bilingual learning platform for Wales, provisionally called Hwb, which will provide a platform for learners and teachers to share resources, knowledge and experience across the whole of Wales.  
• The creation of a National Digital Collection which will include a repository for thousands of curriculum and good practice resources for teachers and learners to upload, share and use.
• Encouraging the use of iTunes U to showcase the best educational resources and activities in Wales.  
• The establishment of Digital Leaders, who will be drawn from the best practitioners using digital technology in Wales.
• Additional professional development for teachers and other education staff to support the teaching of computer science and IT, building on the new enthusiasm around the development of products such as the Raspberry Pi and Dot Net Gadgeteer to encourage young people into future studies and careers in computing.
• The sponsorship of an annual National Digital Event to raise the profile of digital technology in education and of Welsh achievements in this field.

Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:

“Today I will be speaking at a Computing at School Wales and Technocamps event at Swansea University. The scheme inspires young people to get involved in computer science through hands on workshops in robotics, game development and animation. It is great for encouraging young people to get involved in computer science which has benefits across the whole curriculum.

“From this, it is clear that new technologies are crucial in driving up learner performance and ensuring they have the best skills for life. Children and young people want to learn using the latest technologies available to them. It’s not unreasonable for learners, parents and teachers to expect that the technology they use in their daily life can also be used in education.

“I have said before that schools need to learn and share the best ideas. They also need to have access to appropriate technology and have the skills to use digital technology to make the most out of it.

“The web provides a tremendous learning resource for children and young people.  We need to help learners develop the skills, confidence and maturity to navigate safely around this new world and make good use of the opportunities it provides. Through Hwb, we will be encouraging schools to make full use of social technologies to engage learners and improve learning outcomes.

“I want Wales to be a world leader in digital learning. I believe the actions I’ve set out today show how we can achieve that goal.”

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Independent review of Digital Classroom Teaching Task and Finish Group

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Education and skills 21 June 2012 Programme for Government - Education Mid Wales North Wales South East Wales South West Wales

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